relay

my fear is when i leave,

no one will chase me—

        watch me drift alone

        among the falling snow

that when i look back

my body is now the salt—

        god wanted me to run

        not regret my actions

so rooted to the earth

moss-painted hair and skin—

        seasons drawing life

        threading ancient bones

when all i needed was

to catch up to you—

        ahead and arm back

        waiting for my relay heart

jcb